I do not want to diminish the value of truth. Without truth we wallow in false ideas resulting in confusion and disorientation. Truth gives us a foundation for unity and purpose. Truth gives us a burden of light to tell the world. But without character and personal and corporate values our truth becomes irrelevant. More important than being right is being like Jesus in the way we relate to others. Kindness, unselfishness, generosity, thoughtfulness and empathy are of supreme importance when it comes to the Christian walk. Jesus did not say, “Hereby shall men know you are my disciples if you are more theologically pure than others.” His emphasis was on the love we have for each other.
Fairness and the recognition that God created Eve from Adam’s side and not from his foot is symbolic that gender equality is a value and a Biblical truth. When Paul speaks of a woman submitting to her husband, he also speaks of a man loving his wife as Jesus loved the church and died for it. That is potent. See Ephesians 5.
When people speak of us and the church we belong to, is it not better for them to recognize us as loving Christians more than commenting on some unique belief we have that distances us from the main body of Christ. Our values are constantly on display by the lives we live. Paul said it so well in I Corinthians 13. “Though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity (love), I am nothing.” Faith and hope are important but love is the greatest of all.
Spring Of Life